Statement by the HR/VP Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn on the invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chisinau

Bruxelles, 27/06/2018 - 09:41, UNIQUE ID: 180627_5

Joint Statements

Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Johannes Hahn on the invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chisinau

The non-transparent invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chisinau, confirmed by the Moldovan Supreme Court of Justice in the evening of 25 June, deprives the people of Chisinau of their democratically-elected mayor, Mr Andrei Nastase, who gained a clear majority in the 3 June elections.

This decision undermines the trust of the Moldovan people in the state institutions. It is to be noted that none of the participants of the electoral process asked for the annulation of the elections.

An independent judiciary, free from any political pressure, ruling in a transparent manner, as well as credible, inclusive and transparent elections at all levels are pillars of any democracy. Respect for democratic values and the rule of law are also at the heart of the European Union's relations with the Republic of Moldova, as our Association Agreement testifies.

The European Union expects the Moldovan authorities to guarantee judicial independence in line with its international commitments as one of the key principles of the rule of law, a crucial element of democracy, and a long-standing expectation of the Moldovan citizens.

To this end, we expect the Moldovan authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure that the results of the Chisinau mayoral elections, as recognised also by national and international observers and reflecting the will of the voters, are respected.